Can Webster Count on Labuschagne to Shine as Opener for Australia in the WTC Final?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Beau Webster supports Marnus Labuschagne as potential opener for the WTC final.
- Labuschagne has struggled for form recently, with only one century since 2022.
- Competition for places intensifies with Cameron Green's return.
- Webster aims to secure his spot as a valuable all-rounder.
- The WTC final is a crucial event for showcasing cricketing prowess.
New Delhi, June 1 (NationPress) Beau Webster, the seam-bowling all-rounder, has expressed confidence in Marnus Labuschagne to perform at his peak if selected as the opener for Australia in the forthcoming World Test Championship final against South Africa, commencing on June 11 at Lords.
Labuschagne has recorded only one Test century since late 2022 and is currently averaging a mere nine runs over three innings with county side Glamorgan. Additionally, Australia has the promising teenaged opener Sam Konstas in their lineup to partner with Usman Khawaja.
“When he’s at his best, he’s incredible. His statistics are impressive. He’s a consistent century-maker and a game-changer. I’m confident that stepping up to open the batting won’t be daunting for him. Whoever is chosen for that final will be eager to perform,” Webster remarked, as reported by The Sydney Morning Herald.
As Cameron Green returns to the squad as a specialist batter, Webster finds himself in competition with him for a place in Australia’s eleven for this prestigious match. “He (Green) is a generational talent and an exceptional cricketer. He’s only 25, so there’s plenty more cricket in his future,” he added.
“I’m uncertain what the composition of the top six will look like or how they’ll decide on all-rounders, but I certainly hope we can both secure a spot. I enjoy challenging myself with the Dukes ball in various conditions,” he further elaborated.
“I aim to consistently present myself as a strong candidate for the selectors and make it tough for them to drop me from that XI. That’s my primary goal for coming here, to keep improving my game,” he explained.
Webster, who scored the winning runs on his Test debut for Australia, clinching the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against India with a 3-1 victory, concluded by describing that moment as his most cherished cricketing experience.
“It was quite a whirlwind. The entire experience flew by, and I wish I had savored it more. Being out there with Travis is something I will never forget. To this day, hitting the winning runs remains my favorite cricketing moment, without a doubt. I am very proud of my achievements, but this is just the beginning, and I aim to build on my journey in the Baggy Green.